Exeter Chiefs secured a much-needed 42-14 victory over Northampton, but the win did little to lift the mood of their director of rugby, Rob Baxter, who issued a stern warning to his players following a scrappy performance. Despite the comfortable scoreline, Baxter made it clear that Exeter had a long way to go if they were to return to the heights of English rugby that they had once enjoyed.
The win was essential, especially after Exeter’s humiliating loss to Gloucester in their previous match. However, Baxter was far from impressed by the way his team performed. Exeter struggled to build sustained phases of play, particularly in the first half, and Baxter emphasized that such inconsistencies would not be tolerated moving forward. “I’m not going to give the lads an easy way out and say, ‘Well done, five-point win, hallelujah, all our problems are solved,’” Baxter stated. “We have a lot to work on.”
Baxter’s frustration stemmed from his team’s inability to execute basic skills, something he deemed unacceptable for professional players. “We are beating ourselves in so many areas of the game at the moment,” he added. “If you don’t beat yourself, it takes a good team to beat you. We’ve got to change that.”
The match itself saw a number of players step up, despite the underwhelming performance. Harvey Skinner was one of the standout players, scoring an interception try and adding a second try in the closing moments. His efforts helped to secure a bonus-point victory for Exeter. Paul Brown-Bampoe also impressed with his pace and agility, contributing with a try and showcasing the form that has made him one of the team’s bright sparks this season.
In addition to Skinner and Brown-Bampoe, 19-year-old Nick Lilley had an unforgettable moment, scoring a try on his debut. Lilley, along with other young players like Brown-Bampoe, represents a glimmer of hope for the future, but Baxter knows that the team must improve across the board if they are to challenge for honors next season.
The loss for Northampton came in a match where they were fielding a largely inexperienced side, with six debutants in their matchday squad. While they did manage to score two tries through Jake Garside and Tom Lockett, their performance was overshadowed by Exeter’s superior physicality. Northampton’s star players were notably absent, having been rested ahead of their upcoming Champions Cup final, leaving a largely youthful squad to face a determined Exeter side.
Exeter’s victory was marred by a crowd of under 9,000 spectators, highlighting the lack of enthusiasm around the team’s current struggles. The club’s internal upheaval, including the recent departures of senior coaches Ali Hepher and Rob Hunter, has not gone unnoticed. While Hepher remains suspended, Hunter has officially left the club, and the planned appointment of Dave Walder is still on hold. These changes have added to the sense of instability surrounding the club, further raising the stakes for the summer review that Baxter has promised.
Despite the win, Exeter’s problems are far from solved. Baxter has made it clear that the team will face a thorough review of all aspects of their performance, from strength and conditioning to their overall approach to the game. “By the time we start pre‑season, I will have reviewed every bit: strength and conditioning, physio, everything. And, if it’s not absolutely top notch, we’ll be changing it,” Baxter warned. The pressure is on, and Exeter must quickly find their form if they hope to reclaim their place among the elite of English rugby.
